Plug-socket electrical connector.



W. F. HOFFMANN. PLUG SOCKET ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. APPLICATION FILED OUT.30, 1912.

1,072,460. Patented Sept. 9,1913.

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WILLIAM F. HOFFMANN, 011' DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO AMERICANELECTRICAL HEATEfi COMPANY, 013 DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION 3FMICHIGAN.

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PLUG-SOCKET ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR.

Patented Sept. 9, 1913.

Application filed October 30, 1812. Serial No. 728,645.

To all "whom it may concern Be it known that I, V] 111mm F. Horn MANN, acitizen of the United States of America, residing at Detroit, in thecounty ott' l v ayne and State of Michigan, have invented certain newand useful Improvements in Plug-Socket Electrical Connectors, of whichthe itollowing is a specification, reference being bad therein to theaccompanyinc; drawings.

The invention relates to electrical connectors such as are employed forconnecting electrically-heated sad irons and other instruments, and theinvention consists in the peculiar construction of the socket member forreceiving the plug, and the means employed for preventing arcing betweenthe contacts, or rattling of the plug in the socket.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side elevation of the connector asapplied to an electrically heated sad iron, showing the plug, indisengaged position. Fig. 2 is asimilar views-showing the plug:velectrically connect-- ed; 3 iso sectional view ofthe guide "socket online ar----ar Fig". 1.

A is the body of an electrically-heated sad iron; ll is thehandletherefor; C are the terlnii'ial contacts rojectingout from the body,through insulating bushings D; E is the connector plug; recessed toreceive the terminal C; and F is the flexible conductor attached to saidplug.

To guide the plug when. it is engaged with the terminal contact and tomechanically support the same so as to relieve the stress from saidcontacts, a guide socket G is pr,ovidod, which is preferably attached tothe handle B as shown. Thismcmber G is pretcrahly struck upfronaisheetmctul, and comprises an annular portion-G and'a scouringshank portion G ,Ihe arrangement is such that when the end of the plugis inserted in the guide socket, said plug will be properly alined withthe contact members 0, so'as to effect" thefcouphng-by merely pressingdown {the 'plug; and in the same manner the plug may be electricallydisconnected by drawing it out from the socket member.

With the construction as thus far described, there is danger that theplug may be withdrawn out of full contact with the momher 0 While stillretained in the socket G. This is objectionable for the reason thatthere may be arcing between the contact C of the circuit to avoidarcing. This consists of a resilient member H secured to the guidesocket G so as to normally project laterally Within the same, and in aposition. to inter cept the plug E and "to prevent it from beingretained in the socket. If the plug is pressed downward with suflicientforce, the member II will be deflected and will lie adjacent to the sideof the plug, between the some and the inner face of the socket G. Inthis position it exerts its tension against the plug and forms ananti-rattling device. On the other hand, whenever the plug is withdrawnfrom the contacts 0 before electrical connection is broken, the lowerend of said plug will be raised to a point to release the member H, andthe tension of the latter in returning to its normal position willefl'ect a quick breaking of the electrical circuit, and the pushing ofthe plug out of mechanical engagement with the socket.

As shown, the member H is formed of resilient Wire, having coils Htherein, which are located in apertures I in one side of the socket G,thereby permitting the member to lie flat adjacent to one side of saidsocket.

What I claim as my invention isr 1. In a socket for supporting a contactplug for an electrical connection, a resilient member secured to saidplug, said resilient fmpmber a opted to en age the bottom portion of theplug to lejptlt the said plug member after the eloctr al connction hasbeen broken. 7

2. In a socket for supporting a contact plug for electrical connection,contact members extending within said socket, a resilient member securedto the socket, said resilient member positioned above the contact memberand adapted to eject the plug member after the electrical connectionshave been broken.

3. In a socket member for supporting a contact plug, a spring anchoredat its ends to the'side of the socket and the intermediv and extendingtransversely of the socket in 7 its normal position and parallel withthe socket'when the electrica connections are coupled.

5. In a socket for supporting a contact plug for electrical connection,a spring member within said socket, said spring member adapted to ejectthe plug member when the contacts are uncoupled.

6. In a socket for supporting a contact for electrical connection, saidsocket having a spring therein, the said spring adaptedto nection isbroken to eject the said contact plug.

In testimony in presence of tWo witnesses. WILLIAM F. HOFFMANN.Witnesses:

HARRY W. LUYoKE, GEORGE S.v ToWAR.

. Copies of this patent may-be obtained for five cents each, byaddressing the Commissioner of Patents Washington, D. 0.. I

whereof I affix my signature

